Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Decisions..Decisions. Kahr PM9 or Glock 43?

Looking at all the options for a small single stack 9. Both get great reviews. I rented a 43 and was pretty impressed. Can't find a Kahr to try out but have watched a ton of YouTube and looked at them in the stores. The Kahr is more money but is also smaller for pocket carry with same capacity.

Similar in design.

Glock will have a shorter trigger stroke.

Accuracy should be the same.

Kahr has an odd slide stripping process. Don't know about the Glock.

Love my CW-9 and qualify with it every year against full size guns and it normally groups better than its competitors...but that's a shooter thing and not necessarily a gun thing.

I've not fooled with the Kahr but I'm impressed with my 43. I carry IWB and it's nearly always with me. I don't pocket carry the 43 as I have a p3at for that.

I have the two on either side of the PM9....the larger CW9 and the smaller P380. Much prefer the smooth continuous trigger pull of the Kahr over the Glock.

Have not shot a 43 but have fired a 42 and much prefer the P380 in both size and trigger pull. A friend who ran out and bought a 42 when they first came out looked at my P380 the other day and is probably going to trade the 42 in for one of the Kahrs...

Bob

Just bought a slightly used Kahr PM9 for $459, which included 500 rounds of ammo. Great gun!

Within four thousand rounds of use, I experienced two small parts breakages in my Kahr P9. In their defense, however, it was an early specimen of their polymer framed guns, and in each case the broken small part was polymer, and the replacement part was steel, as they had switched those parts to steel after discovering the short lifespan of the polymer parts. So, like Glock, they do make upgrades based on customer experience.

Wow! Know where a guy can find another?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VCAb3sh9E5g




Hickok45 does a nice overview and comparison. I have a G43, to be uniform, with other Glocks I run. I am pleased, but that doesn't mean I would speak poorly of the PM9. Even down to the point they machine the slide stop out of tool steel, and add additional steps of machining the slide, goes to show they are not cutting corners. The barrel, and the basic design is good. But, it would be up to you to determine if this additional work and expense is of value, when in reality, it is a takeoff of a Glock, which other than the G43 being slightly longer, will run near forever.

Have experience with a K9 Elite, P9, PM9 and PM40. Plus a S&W Shield 9. I have not fired the Glock 43. I like most people have definite opinions.

1). Do not under any circumstances buy any of the polymer 40 cal Kahr models. Stick with 9mm, the 40's don't hold up.
2) If you are set on wanting to pocket carry, the get the PM9. The others are still a little too big to work well at pocket carry unless you have big cargo pockets.
3). If you will carry IWB or hip carry, or appendix carry, go for the S&W Shield 9. Better price, softer shooting more capacity, steel sights, handles +P too. Do not get a 40 Shield either, stick with 9mm in these small pistols.
4). The Glock 43 is probably good too, but the few guys I have talked to who have shot them and the Shield universally say the Shield is softer shooting and easier to hit with. Still it's a Glock so you know it's decent even at worst case, but you will pay more for the name.

Mark in GA

If you want to pocket carry then you need the little Kahr.

IMHO the bigger Kahrs, the Glocks & the Shields are just enough bigger that they only work well in cargo pockets as Mark said.

Personally I jumped on the Kahr train years before the Shield or the dinky Glocks came along & I'm not switching no

If you want to pocket carry then you need the little Kahr.

IMHO the bigger Kahrs, the Glocks & the Shields are just enough bigger that they only work well in cargo pockets as Mark said.

Personally I jumped on the Kahr train years before the Shield or the dinky Glocks came along & I'm not switching no

Expect a 250 round break in with the Kahr, and they tend to be very reliable after that.

I find the ergonomics and the trigger of the Kahr preferable to the Glock; but that's just personal preference. The G43 is an excellent pistol, and if you were to "settle" for the G43 then you're doing very well indeed.

Last winter I tried the Kahr CM9, sheild 9, and the Glock 43.
The Kahr's grip was too short and I did't like the trigger.
The Smith was a great pistol but I thought the Glock was
more comfortable to shoot after adding the Pearce +1
mag extension.
It was a case of too small too big and just right...

We truly live in a time of a lot of great pistol options. Thanks guys for the opinions.

I just picked up a Glock 43 last night and I also have a Kahr PM9. I haven't even had the Glock to the range yet, but here are a couple of initial observations. I have several Glocks so I'm pretty familiar with them. All of my Glocks are completely stock save for some aftermarket sights. First and foremost, the Glock 43, at least my example, has the very best Glock trigger I have ever experienced. No, it's not a tuned 1911 trigger, but compared to my other Glocks it is by far the best stock Glock trigger. There is still a bit of creep in the trigger pull, but then a pretty crisp let off and no "sprong" sound when the trigger breaks. My Kahr PM9 has the typical smooth but very long trigger pull that seems common to all Kahr pistols. Even though I can only get a two finger grip on the Kahr, it has proven to be quite accurate at 10 yards. Kahrs are very tight, so I'd describe disassembly and reassembly of my Kahr as about a dozen cuss word process. The Glock 43 is typical Glock disassembly, easy and straightforward for most and only a one or two cuss word process for me only because I forgot a step or fumbled getting the slide back on.

Bottom line is in my opinion the Glock 43 is so good that the Kahr will likely be heading down the road. That may change once I get a chance to compare them both at the range, but I doubt it. Here's a quick photo comparison of the two.

I have the K9 Elite and CM9 as well as Glock 19/26. I can shoot the CM9 as well (maybe even better) than the 19. The trigger on the Kahr is better than any of the Glocks. the CM9 is about as small of a 9mm as you can find. Easily able to pocket carry with loose pockets.

If there is anything negative about the CM9, it is that the mag followers are prone to breaking on earlier models. That was fixed with these:

https://lakelinellc.com/shop/metal-magazine-follower-for-9mm-kahr/

I've had two Khars a 40 & 45. The 40 would not re-cock on cycling and had to be sent back but eventually worked. The 45 was a jam-a-matic. My Glocks on the other hand have yet to malfunction.

"I" would only get a kahr if I wanted to pocket carry, that being said I don't own a kahr.....
I wouldn't get a 43 either though...I'd get a 42 which has less recoil and for me, I shoot a 380 tiny pistol better than a tiny 9mm..... I also feel that 90 grain gold dots put in the right spot should do the job...I could be wrong though, wouldn't be the 1st time...

The pearce extension is recommended

The only two I'm considering is the listed ones. Leaning toward Kahr.

I had a Kahr PM9 and recently sold it to buy a Glock 43. The trigger pull on the Kahr is long, smooth and looong. It takes a fair amount of concentration to keep the sights (or the laser--mine had a CT laserguard on it--aligned through the trigger stroke. The Glock's short pull I find easier to shoot consistently and quickly. Also, the slide on the Kahr is very stiff. I had 300 rounds through mine (excellent reliability throughout, not a single jam with WWB 115gr ammo) so it is not a matter of "breaking in;" the PM9 simply uses a stiff spring system which makes the slide hard to retract compared to the Glock 43.

Also, consider after market support for holsters and magazines. Glock magazines are about 10 bucks cheaper, and there are far more holsters available.

You won't go wrong with either gun but, having had the Kahr, I chose the Glock.

If you're really undecided, I would recommend you buy the Kahr and see if you like it. The Glock 43 is a Glock--Glock feel, Glock trigger--so it is likely a known quantity if you have experience with Glock 9mm's. The Kahr is a different animal--no trigger is really quite like it. Some compare it to a DA revolver, but I found it different from my S&W's and Colt's in that the Kahr trigger stacked and compressed toward the end of the stroke. I found my experience with the Kahr to be interesting, and I'm glad I owned the gun. Mainly because now I have no interest in owning another Kahr.

Thanks buddy for the thoughts. Have you tried to fit the 43 in your pocket? Thoughts?

Save some money and don't buy the PM9. Get the CM9 _AND_ the G43.

Both are too big for pocket carry, in my pockets at least.

Thank you. I'm coming to terms that we just can't have true pocket carry in a 9mm.

I am not putting down the Glock 43, by any means. I am liking my new G19 and Kirkpatrick OWB holster (like a 55BN or Askins Avenger).

But, I still like my 2 Kahrs because of the ease of pocket carry when the G19 isn't going to be appropriate.

The long trigger pull on the Kahrs does take some getting used to.

And that's the thing. I've lived with a Kahr, likely longer than anyone else on this forum. After getting used to the trigger (which shouldn't take anyone who does okay with a DA revolver or a Glock very long), I find the Kahr to be one of the easiest pistols to shoot well.

I could say the same thing about the Glock. You can get used to either. Those triggers aren't the deal-killer for either pistol that they're purported by some to be. I have found though that while I can switch from Kahr to revolver to 1911 or HP and back again with no familiarization problems - putting a Glock in the mix takes a little time to adjust. For me, it's either all Glock or none. YMMV.

had both sold the PM9, per your post "get used to one" and stick with it. The PM9 was very accurate.

Lay a Shield on top of a G43 next time you're at the store.





Travis

Agreed. The max size for comfortable pocket carry would be something like the Ruger LCP. Even that's a bit much for me in a front pants pocket, and really never gets carried (although I have one).

In reality, when I've been moved to carry in a front pants pocket, it's been my little NAA Mini Revolver. That's actually doable. Anything larger, and it gets carried IWB. And if I'm going to carry IWB, I generally choose something the size of a Glock 19 or 17 (or a K-Frame revolver). Little point in carrying anything much smaller IWB, unless you feel the need to drop down to something like a Glock 43, Shield, or LC9 (single-stack subcompacts), or a Detective Special/Chief's Special, in those situations where complete discretion is desired, i.e., near zero printing risk. Short of that rare situation, though, I'm carrying double stack or K-Frame.

whichever feels the best to you

Or have RWE do it for you.

Either way...




Dave

I had all those pics bookmarked...

Been wrestling with retiring "The Heater" in lieu of a 9mm

trying to figure out if I can keep pocket lint out of a L&C'd hammer:

Shield and IWB makes me happy.



Travis

Every night, when it comes out of the holster, you pop it a few times (wherever dust and lint tend to accumulate) with one of these kept on your night stand.

Had the Kahr PM 9 and traded it off because I could not "hit" with it.

Then Bought the Glock 43 and am in hog heaven!

I can hit way better with it.

To me, it's a hand size thing. The kahr just was NOT comfortable for me to shoot.

Been packing my 43 in a pocket holster in jeans with NO problem.

Just MY experiences...

Virgil B.

I do the same thing but in the morning.



Dave

Deerhunter5555: You have answered your own question - go with the Glock 43!
I love mine.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Went with the Kahr CM9 for $364 new. Pics and results to follow at a later time. Need to get some mags now as the CM9 only came with (1) 6-round.
I will probably buy a G43 at some point also.

I haven't handled any of the C series pistols (only P's and K's), but have been considering that very model. be sure to give us a report after you've shot it some, please.

Never owned a Khar.
Have a Glock 43-- lot to like about it--

Had the Khar 9mm for years and traded it for the first Glock 43 I saw in my LGS.
About a month later, after shooting the GLOCK 43 quite a bit, I traded it for the Glock 42 in 380, as I shot my buddy's G 42 much better than my G 43. Also like the size of the 42 better for pocket carry. I carry it with the Speer 90 gr Gold Dot JHP.

My Glock 42 is carried as my BUG. As a back up to my Glock 32 in .357 sig. Only time I carry my Glock 42 as a primary, is when I'm watching late night TV in my shorts at home in my LazyBoy.

Of course, though, there is a 12 ga pump action riot gun setting right behind the front door.

I thought I posted this picture under my text, but I guess I didn't.

Looks like you knew what I was referring to, though.

do I need to dust off my G42 you think?

Doubt you'll be disappointed.

I had a frame issue with my P-9 a few months ago. Fully knowing it was way beyond the stated warranty, I sent it in to Kahr for repair. I was waiting for a letter with the repair cost. A rather short time later a box arrived. New frame, new S/N, ready to go. No charge.

I still have several Kahrs and, for a CCW handgun, they're hard to beat.

I use canned air on my carry gun daily, regardless of what gun I carry. Probably less crucial, though, with a striker fired gun like the 42.

I have tried several combinations for CCW, constantly looking for the perfect combination.
This included several Kahrs, Glocks, S&W, even a keltec.
I have owned Kahrs in .45,.40 and 9.
For the past year I have carried the PM9 in a semi custom IWB.
My idea of the perfect CCW is one the you can carry all day long and seriously say,I don't even think about it. It is extremly accurate for a pistol its size. I run 3 miles 2 to 3 times a week on a wooded trail the pistols goes with every time don't even realize I am carrying it.
I keep it stoked with Speer 124 grain +P gold dots. Extended mag in the gun, and extra mag on the belt.
After searching for the last 10 years for a perfect CCW I believe I have found one that suits my needs. I will try to post a pic late this eve.

I know its not a fancy rig, but it works and works well for me. I don't feel it pulling my pants down, and I am more then confident that it is of sufficient power to do what needs to be done if called upon.

I vote for the Kahr P9 as you can get your pinky on the grip. Pocket carry of any of these would be rough. Buy a good holster and go. I like Whitehat holsters.

For pocket carry I'd get the Glock 42 the 43 is a bit big for me as well.

I prefer Glock's trigger pull over the Kahr's

42=pocket gun
43=ankle IWB gun IMHO.

Mike

Glock for me. Say what you will about the Kahr's but they have not been as reliable as Glock for me.

Never had a Kahr hang up on me, or a Glock for that matter. There I have gone and jinxed myself lol.
I did have a G20 go kaboom on me from KSP rounds.


Does not keep me from Glocks I still have a G20, and a G22. Only they both are sporting KKM barrels with fully supported chambers.

Google is no help deciphering "KSP rounds."

Sorry it was some left over new stock from Kentucky State Police ammo they used in the 80's when they carried 1076 in 10mm

OK, thanks. I'm not happy to hear of the Kaboom, since I've recently purchased a 20 myself.

I would not worry.Shoot good quality new ammo only with factory barrel you should have no problem.
I shoot reloads in mine although what I posted was not supposed to have been a reload but new. Some say the KSP ammo was hot rodded, don't know.
I just went with the KKM barrels you cannot beat their accuracy and just for my own personal confidence the fully supported chambers because of what had happen to me previously.

deerhunter5555, congrats on your new heater. I've owned and carried a PM9 for 10+ years now. I don't carry it every single day, as I recently picked up a G19 for my carry rotation for reasons I'll explain.

Don't know about your shooting style or requirements for carry, but I can tell you about a couple things that have made my experience better.

First off, get yourself a couple of the extended 7 rd mags, like j2dogs has in his pics above. Do not wait. It will give you a much higher appreciation for the platform and your grip will be light years better. (My experience).

Secondly, if you're going to carry IWB, make sure you get a quality holster. I have a Milt Sparks VM2 that is completely broke in and is extremely comfortable. For those times when I carry IWB, this is my huckleberry. May or may not work for you. They are not cheap and the wait is long unless you can pick one up used. I wasn't that smart and I am left handed, to boot. But make sure you've got something you're comfortable with.

Lately, if I carry one of my Kahr 9mm's (I also have an MK9 I bought a while ago from another forum member for backup), I often pocket carry when the G19 isn't appropriate. Strong side front pocket in a pair of cargo shorts raises absolutely no eyebrows.

I bought the G19 solely because I felt a need to increase onboard capacity when I go down into Indian country. Part of my gig is I am a landlord in south FL. Buying the G19 had nothing to do with any inefficiency of the Kahrs and was solely made for the increased capacity.

I am not necessarily recommending the Kahr 9mm's. They may not be for everybody and other options are available, like the G43. But, they have performed well for me and continue to do so. Since you have already bought one, I thought I'd give you some info I've gleaned over the 10+ years I've carried them.

PS- the action, trigger, slide will get easier and much smoother after you've got some rounds through it. Not sure what the problem was that someone mentioned about breaking them down, but they are the easiest guns I own to break down. Pretty sure I could do it with my eyes closed.

Best Wishes,
LD

I totally agree with you local dirt, about the G19. I live in a very rural area and even when I get to the big city it is either Lexington, or Huntington.
Areas like you mentioned having to go into I don't know if I would feel safe with an AR slung across my back.
Circumstances definitely dictate your choice.

I can hit my 12" plate @100y with my G43.

The G43 performs like a full sized gun and I would even hunt squirrels with it.

I use it as my "kit gun" but it happens to be good enough for self defense.

...maybe even for bear